Nikon D3 User's Manual

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual

Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

The Q&A Index

Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name? from the “question and answer” index.

The Table of Contents

Find items by function or menu name.

The Quick Start Guide

A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away.

The Index

Search by key word.

Error Messages

If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find the solution here.

Tro ubl esho otin g

Camera behaving unexpectedly?

A For Your Safety

Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (pg. xviii).

Find the solution here.

➜

pp. iv–ix

Find it

pp. x–xvii

pp. 23–24

pp. 446–452

pp. 417–424

pp. 410–416

Digitutor

Digitutor, a series of “watch and learn” manuals in movie form, is available from the following website:

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

Package Contents

Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately.

❏ D3 digital camera (pg. 3)

❏ BF-1A body cap (pp. 4, 395)

❏ BS-2 accessory shoe cover (pg. 3)

❏ EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (pp. 32,

34)

❏ MH-22 quick charger with power cable and two contact

protectors (pp. 32, 441)

❏ UC-E4 USB cable (pp. 260, 268)

❏ USB cable clip (pg. 263)

❏ EG-D2 audio/video cable (pg. 278)

❏ AN-D3 strap (pg. 5)

❏ Warranty

❏ User’s Manual (this guide)

❏ Quick Guide

❏ Software Installation Guide

❏ Software Suite CD-ROM

❏ Registration card (U. S. A. only)

Symbols and Conventions

To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used:

This icon marks cautions; information that should be read before

use to prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks notes; information that should be read before

using the camera.

Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]).

A Trademark Information

Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Corporation. Microdrive is a trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in the United States and other countries. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk

Introduction

Tutorial

Image Recording Options

Focus

Release Mode

ISO Sensitivity

Exposure

White Balance

Image Enhancement

Flash Photography

Other Shooting Options

More About Playback

Voice Memos

Connections

Menu Guide

Technical Notes

iii

Q&A Index

Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.

❚❚ New Features

Question Key phrase See page

How do I take pictures in 35mm format? Image area 60 How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) photos? How do I record photographs using two memory cards? Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view 90 Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls 166 How do I preserve details in shadows and highlights? How do I focus on erratically moving subjects? Can I adjust focus separately for different lenses?

❚❚ Camera Setup

Question Key phrase See page

How do I focus the viewfinder? Viewfinder focus 47 How do I keep the monitor from turning off? How do I keep the shutter speed and aperture displays from turning off?

14-bit NEF (RAW) 69

Slot 2 72

Active D-Lighting 185

3D-tracking 312

AF fine tune 364

Monitor off delay 323

Auto meter off 50, 322

Question Key phrase See page

How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight savings time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness for menus or playback? How do I restore default settings? Two-button reset 208 How do I restore shooting menu defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting defaults? How do I change the self-timer delay? Self-timer delay 323 Can I reverse the electronic analog exposure display? Can I display the menus in a different language? Can I save menu settings for use on a different D3 camera?

World time 40, 352

LCD brightness 350

Reset shooting menu 297

Reset custom settings 308

Reverse indicators 348

Language 352

Save/load settings 361

❚❚ Menus and Displays

Question Key phrase See page

How do I get more information on a menu? How do I use the menus? Using the menus 28 What do these indicators mean? What information is in the shooting information display?

What does this warning mean?

How much charge does the battery have left? How do I get more information about the battery?

Help 31

Viewfinder, control panels, shooting information display

Error messages and displays

Battery level 48

Battery info 358

8, 10,

12, 14

417

Question Key phrase See page

How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? How do I reset file numbering to zero? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera 398

File number sequence 326

❚❚ Taking Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

How many more shots can I take with this card?

How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the

memory card? Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus 73 How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Can I change the frame advance rate? Shooting speed 88, 325 Can I shoot a self-portrait? Self-timer mode 103 Can I take pictures under low light without the flash? Can the ISO sensitivity I choose be adjusted to ensure optimal exposure?

How do I freeze or blur moving objects?

How do I blur background details or keep both foreground and background in focus?

Number of exposures remaining

Image quality and size 66, 70

Release mode 86

ISO sensitivity 108

ISO sensitivity auto control Exposure mode f (shutter-priority auto)

Exposure mode g (aperture-priority auto)

110

120

122

Question Key phrase See page

Can I set both shutter speed and aperture manually? Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 132

How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 126 Can I vary exposure or flash level

automatically over a series of photos? Can I create multiple copies of a photo using different white balance settings? How do I adjust white balance? White balance 144 How do I change settings for the optional flash unit? How can I record multiple shots as a single photograph? Can I record voice memo when taking a photograph?

Can I pick the standard exposure level?

How can I reduce blur? Exposure delay mode 329

Exposure mode h (manual)

Exposure and flash bracketing White balance bracketing

Flash mode 198

Multiple exposure 210

Voice memo 252

Fine tune optimal exposure

124

135, 332

139, 332

320

❚❚ Viewing Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

Can I view my photographs on the camera? Can I view more information about photos?

Why do parts of my photos blink? Photo info, highlights 235, 286

Camera playback 230

Photo info 233

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Question Key phrase See page

How do I get rid of an unwanted photo?

Can I delete several photos at once? Delete 285 Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure

they’re in focus? Can I protect photos from accidental

deletion? Can I hide selected photos? Hide image 285 How do I tell if parts of my photos may be overexposed?

How do I tell where the camera focused?

Can I view photos as they are taken? Image review 291 Can I record a voice memo on photos? Voice memo 255 Is there an automatic playback (“slide

show”) option?

Deleting individual photos

Playback zoom 247

Protect 248

Display mode: highlights

Display mode: focus point

Slide show 292

249

286

❚❚ Retouching Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

How do I bring out details in shadows? D-Lighting 369 Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction 370 Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim 371 Can I create a monochrome copy of a

photograph? Can I create a copy with different colors? Filter effects 373 Can I use camera to create JPEG copies of

NEF (RAW) photographs? Can I overlay two photos to make a single

image?

Monochrome 372

Color balance 373

Image overlay 374

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❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices

Question Key phrase See page

Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback 278 Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI 280

How do I copy photos to my computer?

How do I print photographs? Printing photographs 266 Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB 267 Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp 270, 274 How do I order professional prints? Print set (DPOF) 276

Connecting to a computer

260

❚❚ Optional Accessories

Question Key phrase See page

What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? What lenses can I use? Compatible lenses 386 What AC adapters, remote cords, and viewfinder accessories are available for my camera?

What memory cards can I use?

What software is available for my camera?

Optional flash units 191

Other accessories 391

Approved memory cards

Other accessories 395

397

Table of Contents

Q&A Index ................................................................................................iv

For Your Safety .................................................................................. xviii

Notices.....................................................................................................xxi

Introduction 1

Overview....................................................................................................2

Getting to Know the Camera..............................................................3

Camera Body....................................................................................... 3

The Top Control Panel ..................................................................... 8

The Rear Control Panel..................................................................10

The Viewfinder Display..................................................................12

The Shooting Information Display............................................14

The Command Dials .......................................................................16

Quick Start Guide................................................................................. 23

Tutorial 25

Camera Menus...................................................................................... 26

Using Camera Menus .....................................................................28

Help ......................................................................................................31

First Steps ............................................................................................... 32

Charge the Battery ..........................................................................32

Insert the Battery .............................................................................34

Attach a Lens.....................................................................................37

Basic Setup.........................................................................................39

Insert a Memory Card.....................................................................42

Formatting Memory Cards...........................................................45

Adjust Viewfinder Focus ...............................................................47

Basic Photography and Playback................................................... 48

Turn the Camera On .......................................................................48

Adjust Camera Settings.................................................................51

Ready the Camera ...........................................................................54

Focus and Shoot.............................................................................. 55

Viewing Photographs.................................................................... 57

Deleting Unwanted Photographs............................................. 58

Image Recording Options 59

Image Area............................................................................................. 60

Image Quality........................................................................................ 66

Image Size .............................................................................................. 70

Slot 2 ........................................................................................................ 72

Focus 73

Focus Mode ........................................................................................... 74

AF-Area Mode....................................................................................... 76

Focus Point Selection......................................................................... 78

Focus Lock.............................................................................................. 80

Manual Focus ........................................................................................ 83

Release Mode 85

Choosing a Release Mode ................................................................ 86

Continuous Mode................................................................................ 88

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) ............................. 90

Self-Timer Mode.................................................................................103

Mirror up Mode ..................................................................................105

ISO Sensitivity 107

Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually..............................................108

Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ..........................................................110

Exposure 113

Metering ...............................................................................................114

Exposure Mode...................................................................................116

e: Programmed Auto ..................................................................118

f: Shutter-Priority Auto ..............................................................120

g: Aperture-Priority Auto ...........................................................122

h: Manual......................................................................................... 124

Shutter-Speed and Aperture Lock...............................................127

Autoexposure (AE) Lock ..................................................................129

Exposure Compensation.................................................................132

Bracketing ............................................................................................134

White Balance 143

White Balance Options ....................................................................144

Fine-Tuning White Balance ............................................................147

Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................151

Preset Manual .....................................................................................152

Image Enhancement 165

Picture Controls..................................................................................166

Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 174

Active D-Lighting...............................................................................185

Color Space..........................................................................................187

Flash Photography 189

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The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)...............................190

Compatible Flash Units ...................................................................191

CLS-Compatible Flash Units .....................................................191

Other Flash Units ..........................................................................195

i-TTL Flash Control.............................................................................197

Flash Modes.........................................................................................198

FV Lock ..................................................................................................202

Flash Contacts.....................................................................................205

Other Shooting Options 207

Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................208

Multiple Exposure .............................................................................210

Interval Timer Photography .......................................................... 215

Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................222

Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................225

More About Playback 229

Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................230

Photo Information............................................................................. 233

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....................245

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................247

Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................248

Deleting Individual Photographs ................................................249

Voice Memos 251

Recording Voice Memos .................................................................252

Playing Voice Memos .......................................................................257

Connections 259

Connecting to a Computer............................................................260

Direct USB Connection ...............................................................262

Wireless and Ethernet Networks .............................................265

Printing Photographs.......................................................................266

Direct USB Connection ...............................................................267

Viewing Photographs on TV..........................................................278

Standard Definition Devices .....................................................278

High-Definition Devices .............................................................280

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Menu Guide 281

D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...............................282

Delete........................................................................................... 285

Playback Folder......................................................................... 285

Hide Image ................................................................................. 285

Display Mode............................................................................. 286

Copy Image(s) ...........................................................................287

Image Review ............................................................................ 291

After Delete................................................................................ 291

Rotate Tall................................................................................... 291

Slide Show .................................................................................. 292

Print Set (DPOF)........................................................................ 293

C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...............................294

Shooting Menu Bank .............................................................. 295

Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 297

Active Folder.............................................................................. 297

File Naming ................................................................................ 300

Slot 2............................................................................................. 300

Image Quality ............................................................................ 300

Image Size................................................................................... 301

Image Area .................................................................................301

JPEG Compression................................................................... 301

NEF (RAW) Recording .............................................................301

White Balance............................................................................ 301

Set Picture Control................................................................... 302

Manage Picture Control......................................................... 302

Color Space ................................................................................302

Active D-Lighting..................................................................... 302

Vignette control ....................................................................... 303

Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) ..........304

High ISO NR................................................................................304

ISO Sensitivity Settings ..........................................................305

Live View .....................................................................................305

Multiple Exposure.................................................................... 305

Interval Timer Shooting......................................................... 305

A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............306

B: Custom Setting Bank........................................................ 308

xiv

A: Reset Custom Settings .....................................................308

a: Autofocus ....................................................................................309

a1: AF-C Priority Selection.....................................................309

a2: AF-S Priority Selection .....................................................310

a3: Dynamic AF Area ...............................................................311

a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On........................................313

a5: AF Activation.......................................................................313

a6: Focus Point Illumination .................................................314

a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around..............................................315

a8: AF Point Selection .............................................................315

a9: AF-ON Button......................................................................316

a10: Vertical AF-ON Button ...................................................317

b: Metering/Exposure..................................................................318

b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value ..............................................318

b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. ..........................................318

b3: EV Steps for Exposure Comp.........................................318

b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................319

b5: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................320

b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure.........................................320

c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................322

c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L .........................................322

c2: Auto Meter-off Delay........................................................322

c3: Self-Timer Delay .................................................................323

c4: Monitor off Delay...............................................................323

d: Shooting/Display......................................................................324

d1: Beep .......................................................................................324

d2: Shooting Speed .................................................................325

d3: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................325

d4: File Number Sequence....................................................326

d5: Control Panel/Viewfinder...............................................327

d6: Shooting Info Display ......................................................328

d7: LCD Illumination................................................................329

d8: Exposure Delay Mode......................................................329

e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................330

e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............................................................330

e2: Flash Shutter Speed..........................................................331

e3: Modeling Flash...................................................................331

e4: Auto Bracketing Set..........................................................332

e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M).............................................333

e6: Bracketing Order ............................................................... 334

f: Controls ........................................................................................335

f1: Multi Selector Center Button ......................................... 335

f2: Multi Selector....................................................................... 336

f3: Photo Info/Playback.......................................................... 336

f4: Assign FUNC. Button......................................................... 336

f5: Assign Preview Button ..................................................... 342

f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button .................................................343

f7: Customize Command Dials............................................ 344

f8: Release Button to Use Dial.............................................. 346

f9: No Memory Card? .............................................................. 347

f10: Reverse Indicators ...........................................................348

B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................349

Format Memory Card .............................................................350

LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 350

Lock Mirror up for Cleaning .................................................350

Video Mode................................................................................ 351

HDMI............................................................................................. 351

World Time................................................................................. 352

Language .................................................................................... 352

Image Comment ......................................................................353

Auto Image Rotation ..............................................................354

Voice Memo ............................................................................... 354

Voice Memo Overwrite ..........................................................355

Voice Memo Button ................................................................355

Audio Output ............................................................................355

USB ................................................................................................ 355

Dust off Ref Photo.................................................................... 356

Battery Info................................................................................. 358

Wireless Transmitter ...............................................................359

Image Authentication ............................................................359

Save/Load Settings.................................................................. 361

GPS ................................................................................................ 363

Virtual Horizon .......................................................................... 363

Non-CPU Lens Data................................................................. 363

AF Fine Tune .............................................................................. 364

Firmware Version ..................................................................... 365

xvi

N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies .............366

D-Lighting...................................................................................369

Red-Eye Correction..................................................................370

Trim................................................................................................371

Monochrome .............................................................................372

Filter Effects ................................................................................373

Color Balance .............................................................................373

Image Overlay............................................................................374

Side-by-Side Comparison......................................................377

O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu......................................379

Adding Options to My Menu....................................................379

Deleting Options from My Menu ............................................381

Reordering Options in My Menu .............................................382

Technical Notes 385

Compatible Lenses ...........................................................................386

Other Accessories..............................................................................391

Caring for the Camera......................................................................398

Storage..............................................................................................398

Cleaning ...........................................................................................398

Replacing the Focusing Screen................................................399

Replacing the Clock Battery ......................................................401

The Low-Pass Filter.......................................................................403

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................406

Troubleshooting ................................................................................410

Error Messages ...................................................................................417

Appendix ..............................................................................................425

Specifications......................................................................................435

Index....................................................................................................... 446

xvii

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.

The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:

This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all

warnings before using this Nikon product.

❚❚ WARNINGS

A Keep the sun out of the frame

Keep the sun well out of the frame when shooting backlit subjects. the camera when the sun is in or close to the frame could cause a fire.

Sunlight focused into

A Do not look at the sun through the

viewfinder

Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.

A Using the viewfinder diopter control

When operating the viewfinder diopter control with your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to put your finger in your eye accidentally.

xviii

A Turn off immediately in the event of

malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment or AC adapter (available separately), unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns. operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikonauthorized service center for inspection.

Continued

A Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Should

A Do not use in the presence of

flammable gas

Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire.

A Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

A Do not place the strap around the neck

of an infant or child

Placing the camera strap around the neck of an infant or child could result in strangulation.

A Observe proper precautions when

handling batteries

Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. the following precautions when handling batteries for use in this product:

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Use only CR1616 lithium batteries to replace the clock battery. Using another type of battery could cause an explosion. Dispose of used batteries as directed.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Be sure the product is off before replacing the battery. using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

• Do not attempt to insert the battery upside down or backwards.

• Do not expose the battery to flame or to excessive heat.

Observe

If you are

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when transporting the battery. transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. damage to the product, be sure to remove the battery when no charge remains.

• When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal cover and store in a cool, dry place.

• The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended

Before removing the

period. battery turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the battery, such as discoloration or deformation.

Do not

To a voi d

xix

A Observe proper precautions when

handling the quick charger

• Keep dry. precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

• Dust on or near the metal parts of the plug should be removed with a dry cloth. could result in fire.

• Do not handle the power cable or go near the charger during thunderstorms. observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

• Do not damage, modify, or forcibly tug or bend the power cable. heavy objects or expose it to heat or flame. insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take the power cable to a Nikonauthorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

Failure to observe this

Continued use

Failure to

Do not place it under

Should the

Fai lure

A Use appropriate cables

When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose to maintain compliance with product regulations.

A CD-ROMs

CD-ROMs containing software or manuals should not be played back on audio CD equipment. Playing CD-ROMs on an audio CD player could cause hearing loss or damage the equipment.

A Observe caution when using a flash

• Using optional flash units in close contact with the skin or other objects could cause burns.

• Using optional flash units close to the subject’s eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. Particular care should be observed when photographing infants, when the flash should be no less than one meter (39 in.) from the subject.

A Avoid contact with liquid crystal

Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.

Notices

•

No p art of t he manua ls inc lude d with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior written permission.

•

Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any time and without prior notice.

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Inter ference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

If this equipment does cause

•

Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product.

•

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNIN G: Handling the cord on this product

may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

hands after handling.

Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200

Using other

Wash

xxi

Notices for Customers in Canada

CAUTION

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries:

•

This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law.

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample.”

The copying or reproduction of paper money, coins, or securities which are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.

Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction or unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.

The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

Do not dispose of as household waste.

ATT EN TI ON

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

• Cautions on certain copi es and reproductions

The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions of securities issued by private companies (shares, bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter passes, or coupon tickets, except when a minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by a company. not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, woodcuts, prints, maps, drawings, movies, and photographs is governed by national and international copyright laws. not use this product for the purpose of making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws.

Also, do

xxii

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please note that deleting ima ges or formatting memory cards or other data storage devices does not completely erase the original image data. sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of personal image data.

Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s responsibility.

Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase all data using commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely refill it with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). preset manual. data storage devices.

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.

The use of non-Nikon electronic accessories could damage the camera and may void your Nikon warranty. rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal shown at right could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local authorized Nikon dealer.

Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying

Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery

Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for

The use of third-party

Deleted files can

xxiii

A Before Taking Important Pictures

Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.

A Life-Long Learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available online at the following sites:

• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

• For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

• For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/

xxiv

Introduction

This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts.

Overview.............................................................................. pg. 2

Getting to Know the Camera ........................................... pg. 3

Camera Body ....................................................................................... pg. 3

The Top Control Panel...................................................................... pg. 8

The Rear Control Panel .................................................................. pg. 10

The Viewfinder Display.................................................................. pg. 12

The Shooting Information Display ............................................ pg. 14

The Command Dials ....................................................................... pg. 16

Quick Start Guide ............................................................. pg. 23

Overview

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly

to get the most from the camera, and keep them where they will be read by all those who use the product.

D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories

Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements.

COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.

D Servicing the Camera and Accessories

The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services). Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally. Any accessories regularly used with the camera, such as lenses or optional flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected or serviced.

THE USE OF NON-NIKON ACCESSORIES

Nikon

Getting to Know the Camera

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual.

Camera Body

1 D (bracketing)

button .......................135, 139, 332

2 Release mode dial

lock release....................................87

3 Release mode dial.......................87

4 Eyelet for camera strap ............... 5

5 M (flash mode) button ............200

6 F (command lock)

button .................................127, 128

7 Focal plane mark (E)................84

8 Metering selector..................... 115

9 Metering selector

lock button................................. 115

10 Power switch.................................48

11 Shutter-release button...... 55, 56

12 E (exposure compensation)

button...........................................132

13 Eyelet for camera strap................5

14 I (exposure mode)

button...........................................117

Q (format) button.....................45

15 Top control panel ..........................8

16 Diopter adjustment knob........ 47

17 Accessory shoe ..................22, 205

(for optional flash unit)

18 Accessory shoe cover

........................................ 22, 205, 408

Camera Body (Continued)

1 Mirror............................90, 105, 403

2 Self-timer lamp .........................104

3 Flash sync terminal cover...... 205

4 Ten-pin remote terminal

cover....................................225, 396

5 Flash sync terminal.................. 205

6 Ten -pin rem ote

terminal ..............................225, 396

7 USB connector cover .....262, 268

8 Lens release button....................38

9 Connector cover..............278, 280

10 USB connector................. 262, 268

11 DC-IN connector for

optional AC adapter EH-6......391

12 Audio/video (A/V)

connector ....................................278

13 HDMI connector........................280

14 Focus-mode selector.......... 74, 83

15 Battery-cover latch..................... 34

16 Battery-chamber cover............. 34

17 Meter coupling lever...............437

18 Body cap......................................395

+ 450 hidden pages

Nikon D3 User's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Q&A Index

For Your Safety

Notices

Introduction

Overview

Getting to Know the Camera

Camera Body